Windows 11, the latest operating system from Microsoft, brings a number of new features and improvements. And Microsoft regularly releases Windows 11 updates to address security vulnerabilities, include Bug fixes, and ensure that your system remains compatible with the latest hardware and software developments. Overall Regularly installing Windows updates is essential to keep your computer secure, stable, and up-to-date with the latest features and improvements. However at times when you restart Windows 11 to apply the update, you may stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. This can be frustrating and prevent you from accessing your computer.
A number of users have reported encountering an issue where their computer is stuck on getting Windows ready screen for hours after downloading and installing the latest Windows update, specifically on Windows 11.
Post Contents :-
- 1 Windows 11 is stuck at getting Windows ready
- 1.1 Wait a Few more minutes
- 1.2 Disconnecting Internet Connection
- 1.3 Remove External Devices
- 1.4 Reset your computer
- 1.5 Perform Windows Startup Repair
- 1.6 Start Windows 11 in safe mode
- 1.7 Uninstall recently installed software
- 1.8 Perform System restore from Advanced options
- 1.9 Repair corrupt system files
Windows 11 is stuck at getting Windows ready
The “Getting Windows Ready” screen is an essential part of this boot process. During this stage, Windows initializes system settings, drivers, and services necessary for a smooth user experience. The duration of this process can vary depending on the hardware configuration and the number of updates or changes that need to be applied.
Several factors could lead to the Windows 11 update getting stuck on the “Getting Windows Ready” screen. Third-party software conflicts, Insufficient disk space, Corrupted system files or Windows update files are common.
Again a stable internet connection is essential for downloading and installing updates. Issues with your network can lead to update failures, Computer is stuck on getting Windows ready. If your system drive lacks sufficient free disk space, the update might not complete and result Getting windows ready stuck.
Most common reason cause Getting windows ready Stuck
- Corrupted system files
- Incorrect boot device damaged computer hardware
- Malware infection
- Your computer hardware isn’t compatible with Windows 11
- Slow internet connection, network issues
Wait a Few more minutes
When you find a situation where the system is stuck installing updates “Getting Windows ready, Don’t turn off your computer“. Microsoft always recommends wait it out Windows is applying the updates to your computer. It may take some time for your system to finish these jobs. So let the computer do its thing and wait for hours.
But if you have waited for a reasonable amount of time, say about 2 ~ 3 hours, and you still can’t see the screen disappear, then you should try something else.
Disconnecting Internet Connection
Whenever you see the ‘Getting Windows ready’ dialogue box, it usually means two things; either Windows is installing an already downloaded update package from the internet or Windows is currently downloading additional content from the internet. For the time being disconnect your internet connection (Either turn off the Router / Unplug the ethernet cable ) and wait few minutes to check if it helps.
Remove External Devices
Removing external devices can be a useful troubleshooting step when dealing with the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck issue in Windows 11. By disconnecting all unnecessary external devices such as USB drives, printers, or external hard drives, you can rule out the possibility of any of them causing conflicts during the boot process. These devices might be faulty or incompatible with the system, leading to the system getting stuck at the “Getting Windows Ready” screen.
Additionally, removing external devices reduces the number of drivers and services that need to be loaded during startup, minimizing the chances of conflicts that could disrupt the boot process.
Reset your computer
If the update remains stuck for an extended period without any progress, you can try Power resetting your computer. Power resetting is a troubleshooting technique that can help resolve the issue of being stuck on the “Getting Windows ready” screen after a Windows update. It clears all information stored in the computer’s memory without affecting your data. Here’s how to do it:
For Desktop PCs:
- Forcefully shut down your PC by holding the power button until it turns off.
- Disconnect all external devices, including the power cable, VGA cable, keyboard, and mouse.
- Press and hold the power button for about 30 seconds. This will discharge any residual power in the system.
- Now, connect only the keyboard and mouse to your PC.
- Start your computer, and check if it boots up normally without getting stuck at the “Getting Windows ready” screen.
For Laptops:
- Forcefully shut down your laptop by holding the power button until it turns off.
- Unplug the charger from your laptop.
- Remove the battery from the laptop.
- Hold down the power button for a few seconds to drain any remaining power from the laptop.
- Now, connect the charger back to your laptop (without the battery).
- Turn on your laptop or PC.
- The “Getting Windows ready” error should be gone, and you should reach the login screen.
Perform Windows Startup Repair
Windows Startup Repair is effective for fixing startup problems, including issues where the system gets stuck on the “Getting Windows ready” screen. It automatically diagnoses and repairs common startup-related errors, such as corrupted system files, incorrect configurations, or missing boot files, which prevent Windows from starting properly.
To perform startup repair:
- First, you need to boot from Windows 11 bootable USB / DVD.
- When you are ready with the installation media insert it then press the power button to start your computer.
- Now press the F8 or F10 key (depending on your system) to access the Boot Menu of your system, Then choose the Boot option, and select USB or DVD as per the media used.
- Next, you will see the Windows Installation screen on your computer.
- Skip the first screen and on the next screen click on Repair your computer option.
- This will Restart windows click on Troubleshoot > Advanced options and then click on Start-up Repair option.
This will diagnose and fix issues prevent Windows 11 start normally, Let it complete and restart Windows.
Start Windows 11 in safe mode
Starting your computer in Safe Mode can be an effective method to fix the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck issue. Safe Mode loads only essential drivers and services, bypassing unnecessary software and configurations that might be causing conflicts during the startup process.
Here’s how you can start your computer in Safe Mode to address the problem:
- If your computer is currently stuck at the “Getting Windows Ready” screen, perform a hard restart by holding down the power button for a few seconds until the computer turns off.
- Next, you need to access advanced options using the installation media,
” Within the advanced options, choose “Startup Settings,” and click “Restart.”
After the restart, a list of startup options will appear. Press the number key corresponding to “Enable Safe Mode” (usually number 4) or “Safe Mode with Networking” (usually number 5) to boot into Safe Mode.
Uninstall recently installed software
Uninstalling recently installed software can be helpful in resolving the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck issue. New software installations may cause conflicts, faulty drivers, or unexpected behavior during startup, leading to the problem. By uninstalling recently added software, you can identify and remove the root cause of the issue, allowing Windows to boot normally.
Press Windows key + X and select settings
click on Apps then Installed apps, Now select the recently installed app and select Uninstall.
If your Windows update process went smoothly prior to installing particular software on your computer, then we may have found the culprit.
Perform System restore from Advanced options
If you have previously created a System Restore point or a system image backup using Windows snap-in tools, these backups can be valuable resources when dealing with the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck issue. By restoring your computer to a previous state through a System Restore point you can attempt to bring your PC back to a normal and functional state.
Step 1: Download Media Creation Tool from the Microsoft website. Run it to create a Windows installation media (USB installation drive or CD/DVD disc).
Step 2: Boot the PC from the disc or USB drive. Configure the language, time, and keyboard method, and click Repair your computer.
Step 3: Go to Choose an option > Troubleshoot > Advanced options > System Restore.
Step 4: Follow the wizard to finish a system restore to get you out of the Windows 11/Windows 10 getting ready loop.
Repair corrupt system files
If your Windows 11 computer is constantly getting stuck at “Getting Windows Ready” during every reboot, it might be due to corrupted system files on your system. Resolving this issue can be challenging, but one effective method to try is using the System File Checker (SFC) tool.
The System File Checker tool is a built-in Windows utility that scans for and repairs corrupted system files. Here’s how you can use it to troubleshoot the “Getting Windows Ready” stuck problem:
- Open the command prompt as administrator, Or you can access the command prompt from Advanced options,
First, run the sfc /scannow command to start scanning your system for corrupted files and attempt to repair them. This process may take some time, so be patient and wait for it to complete.
Next, run DISM command DISM /Online /Cleanup-Image /RestoreHealth to scan your system and attempt to repair any issues it finds.
This process might take some time, once the scan is complete, restart your computer.
Also, Read
Also read:
- Why I use a VPN: 10 + 1 good reasons to use a VPN in 2023 explained
- High CPU and 100 Disk Usage Windows 10 (7 working solutions)
- How to Optimize Windows 10 laptop for gaming and productivity
- Solved: Start Menu Not Working in Windows 10 Version 22H2
- Driver IRQL Not Less Or Equal Error in windows 10 [Solved]